(CNN) – Some 2012 candidates give out pies. Others label their speech location "the best place in the country". All of them eat corn dogs and insist they're not regular politicians. The cheese is getting thick in the presidential campaign.

Capitol Hill (CNN) – How does the jobs picture look for the U.S.? Friday's government report shows slight improvement for Americans who have jobs now, but that things have gotten worse for those who are looking for work. And a lot worse for female veterans. Read our one-page American Sauce cheat sheet on where the country stands with jobs.FULL POST

Capitol Hill (CNN) - For weeks now, lawmakers in Washington have produced intense drama over the debt ceiling with no lasting results or clear meaning. Terrible politics, but perhaps it could make for a good movie. Or farce.

To help understand the bottom lines and broad themes in debt negotiations, the crew of CNN's American Sauce podcast asked a team of Hollywood screenwriters to look at the debt debate and present their pitches for National Debt: The Movie.FULL POST

Capitol Hill (CNN) - Yes, unemployment is again on the rise and the June jobs report had all the strength of an ICU patient. Yes, economic stress is literally making people sick. But are things as grim as they feel?

Washington (CNN) - Members of the House of Representatives reported up to $6.1 million in staff bonuses between January and March, giving out bonuses as they debated spending cuts and came within minutes of shutting down government over fiscal problems, a CNN investigation has found.

Capitol Hill (CNN) - Let's just say the obvious here: the 2012 presidential campaign is here. Like it or not. We had the first significant debate last week. And Republican candidate number eight joins the ring this week.